HAILEY —The Bureau of Land Management Shoshone Field Office will implement seasonal motorized-use closures in the Wood River Valley beginning Dec. 1 and ending April 30, to protect deer and elk. The seasonal closures are for BLM-managed land only.

The agency encourages the public to carefully gauge their actions when recreating this winter to minimize impacts to deer and elk that could be in the area.

“Nearly every winter season causes deer and elk to work harder for their food and shelter. Motorized and non-motorized recreationists disturb wildlife and cause them to expend vital energy that is needed for survival,” Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner John Kurtz said in a statement. “When deer or elk are encountered during an outing, it is important to respect the animals and view them from a distance so that noise or close proximity will not cause additional stress. These seasonal closures will help protect animals that find refuge within these areas.”

The following sections of the Wood River Valley will be closed: Martin/Big Dry Canyon; Croy Creek to south of Townsend Gulch; Big and Little Beaver drainages; south slopes above East Fork; Elk Mountain area; and portions of Picabo Hills. The BLM patrols these areas to monitor and enforce closures.

Copies of the map are available through the Shoshone Field Office, 400 West F Street, Shoshone. More information: call John Kurtz at 208-732-7296.

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